Operations Leadership

In this episode, Gautam looks into the future of operations. He digs deep into the six forces that will reshape operations in the next 5 years and why 89% of organizations are still running industrial age operating models, while 1% are lapping the field; what science tells about the new unit of work, and why … Continue reading "Episode 40: Future of Operations: Outlook 2031"

This episode’s guest is Michael Hardy (PwC Deals Partner) based in Helsinki. In our conversation, we dive deep into the M&A due diligence process, linkages between the finance and operations in a transactions environment, deal risks, working capital, and the impact of AI on due diligence. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from … Continue reading "Episode 3...

In this episode, we cut through the AI hype to ask the question most vendors don’t want answered: why are 80% of supply chain AI deployments still invisible on the P&L? Drawing on fresh 2026 research, we diagnose the four root causes behind the scaling failure, from the data foundation gap to the leadership skills … Continue reading "Episode: 38: Field Notes – AI ROI Reckonin...

This episode’s guest is Wayne Marhelski, a former US Air Force veteran and operations executive with over three decades of experience transforming manufacturing businesses across defense, aerospace, and nuclear industries. Wayne shares why private equity’s value creation gap lives on the shop floor and not in the spreadsheet, why the AI pilot is the new … Continue reading "Episod...

In this episode, we analyze the strategic shift from resilience to Total Value. Leading organizations are moving beyond disruption management toward enterprise-wide value maximization. The practical vehicle is supply chain network redesign at scale. We examine the internal politics and financial barriers that stall transformation, the real economics of nearshoring, and what distinguishes leaders w...

In this episode, Gautam unpacks the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the largest disruption to global energy supply since the 1970s oil crisis. This crisis has profound implications for chokepoint exposure, commodity dependency, and logistics network resilience, examining how single-corridor concentration risk, seasonal supply irreversibility, and the collapse of just-in-time assumptions are forci...

In this episode, we analyze the recent case of Anthropic AI solution being designated as a supply chain risk by the US Pentagon. This case has profound implications for vendor dependency, contract governance, and supply chain resilience, analysing how single-source concentration risk, asset-specific investments, and ethical red lines in procurement design. Accessibility transcripts for podcast &#8...

In this episode, we have returning guest William Bundy (Partner at McKinsey & Co). We discuss how private equity firms have evolved their operating groups into structured capabilities that systematically drive value across their portfolio companies, optimal balance of specialist vs generalist operating partners, & how AI is starting to amplify operational performance across their … C...

This episode’s guest is Hadi Ghanbari (Assistant Professor at Aalto University’s Business School). In this interview, we discuss cyber-attacks which target supply chains, including the types of attackers, motivation, techniques, exploited vunerabilities, targeted assets, impacts of these attacks, along with real life cases. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found fr...

Our guest for this episode is Sami Miettinen (author, investment banker, & host of the Neuvottelija podcast). In this interview, Sami dives deep in the art & science of negotiation and why negotiation is a superpower especially in these current times of accelerated change & uncetrainty. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from … Continue reading "Episode 3...

This episode’s guest is Mikko Möttönen (Professor of Quantum Technology at Aalto University / VTT). During our conversation, he discusses how quantum computing differs from classical computing, specific industry applications for quantum technology, & how quantum computing can impact the future of supply chain & operations management. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can...

Our guest for this episode is Katri Kauppi (Associate Professor of Logistics at Aalto University). In this interview, we discuss the particulars of principal-agent problems and her current research on value based purchasing, and public procurement practices in healthcare services. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/ope...

This episode’s guest is Karl Buschmann (Adjunct Policy Advisor for RAND & Strategic Advisor for CSCMP). In this interview, Karl provides us with insights on how geo-politics, public policy, trade regulations impact global supply chains & reviews of the top 10 trends in SCM for 2025. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from … Continue reading "Episode 28:...

This episode’s guest is Linda Dunn (Professor of Practice at Georgetown University). In this interview, she talks about the lessons learned in during her long & distinguished career, importance of financial literacy for SCM professionals, and bridging theory with practice in supply chain management. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast … Cont...

Our guest for this episode is Tony Wood (CEO CF & Society of Leadership Fellows at Windsor Castle). In this interview, we discuss the concept of an agentic worker & how they can be deployed alongside human teams to improve leadership, productivity and performance in business organizations. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found … Continue reading "Episode 26: Age...

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Stefan Holmberg (Partner at Optilon & Leader of Swedish Roundtable for the Council of Supply Chain Mgmt. Professionals). In this interview, Dr. Holmberg discusses Sweden’s unique approach to SCM based on his experience working at IKEA and advising Swedish companies operating globally. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can … Continue re...

This episode’s guest is Dr. Teemu Lehto (EVP of QPR Software). He is an expert in the the area of process mining. In this interview, we dig deeper in what process mining is; its origins, blending data science & process mgmt. and case examples of how process mining, coupled with AI/ML tools can improve supply … Continue reading "Episode 24: Process Mining: An Intersection between Da...

Our guest for this episode is Pekka Maki, who is a legendary boxing coach and trainer to multiple world & European champions. In this interview, we discuss the process, preparation, due diligence, & risks in producing world class boxers, embedding resilience in fighters, and parallels between the boxing and the business world. Accessibility transcripts for … Continue reading "Episode...

This episode’s guest is Dr. Terry Esper (Professor of Logistics at Ohio State University & Chair of the Council for Supply Chain Management Professsionals). He is accomplished academic scholar and leader in the SCM field. In this interview, we discuss the current state of supply chain management, crowded-funded last mile logistics plaforms, e-logistics service quality, … Continue r...

This episode’s guest is William Bundy (Partner at McKinsey & Co). He is an acclaimed expert in operational value creation in the private equity (PE) industry. Will provides us with rich insights on how PE firms have evolved from traditional financial engineering to complementary operationally focused approaches to value creation, importance of operational DD, leveraging … Continue...

This episode’s guest is Joose Toiviainen (CEO of Daze). This start up specializes in providing reverse logsitics and returns management services for e-commerce platforms. Joose details his start up journey & highlights the critical issues of reverse flows within the e-commerce logistics. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.f...

In this episode, Gautam dives into the distinctions between the two distinct forms of operations leadership – transformational and transactional, different contexts & situations when they can be employed, & real life case examples of each leadership style. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-lea...

In this episode, Gautam explores the trend of select outstanding individuals with operational backgrounds who manage to land the top leadership spot in business organizations and the rationale why operations leaders make great CEOs. Accessibility transcripts for podcast episodes can be found from the podcast page:https://www.aalto.fi/en/podcasts/operations-leadership-with-gautam-basu-podcast

In this episode, Gautam delves into the various distinctions in scope for key decisions and risks that operations and strategic leaders are required to manage. While there are commonalities and alignment between the two leadership disciplines, there are some key differences. We do a deep into this topic on this podcast episode. Accessibility transcripts for … Continue reading "Episode 17: Op...

In this episode, our guest is Ramesh Sharda (Vice Dean of Research at Oklahoma State University). Leveraging his long history in data science & analytics, Dr. Sharda provides us with rich insights into his intergrative approach to analytics, industries that have been at the forefront in the adoption of analytics tools, and two interesting case … Continue reading "Episode 16: Analytics Ap...